Residents Raise Alarm Over Suspected Illegal Mining in Eastern Kazakhstan

Residents of Ridder are raising concerns about the possible illegal extraction of sand and gravel from the Zhuravlikha River. A video posted on social media shows heavy equipment working near the riverbed, Orda.kz reports.

The video was recorded on July 14. It shows excavated sections near the river and machinery apparently being used to remove sand and gravel.

This is Zhuravlikha, near the last road. Look how much gravel and sand they have already removed in one day. Three KamAZ trucks were loaded while we were here,the woman says in the video.

Residents fear that the work may be unauthorized and could damage the riverbed and surrounding environment.

Orda.kz contacted the East Kazakhstan Region akimat to determine whether the work had been authorized and whether environmental requirements were being followed. Officials said they were checking the information. No official findings have yet been released.

Original author: Saule Abdykamit

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